Hosting a Summer Garden Party

One of the best things to do in the summer months is to celebrate the season by throwing a summer garden party! Whether you want to gather your closest friends for a small get-together or host an elaborate soirée with dozens of guests, hosting a summer garden party can be a fun and rewarding experience. If you're wondering how to throw a garden party and looking for the best hosting tips, you'll learn it all here! 

Set The Scene By Choosing A Spot

The spot that you choose for your summer garden party may not sound like a big deal. However, this is actually going to play a role in the atmosphere, comfort and overall functionality of your party. For starters, you're going to want to choose an area that's well-shaded with trees or where parasols and umbrellas can easily be installed. It's usually recommended not to have your summer patio furniture on the grass as this could damage your lawn, as well as potentially cause your outdoor furniture to rot or get damaged. 

Create A Plan For Garden Layout

Does the garden layout truly matter when it comes to a garden party? The short answer is, yes. While you should already have your garden nicely laid out, knowing your layout is going to help with knowing where your furniture, like patio benches, can go. Your guests need to know where they can mingle, and this can even include the table settings, such as your plates and glasses too. Plus, surveying your garden beforehand will give you an idea of where bugs, pests and weeds, are most prevalent so those areas can be avoided.

Plan Your Outdoor Menu

One of the more challenging aspects of planning a garden party is putting together a menu. In fact, when it comes to any party at all, you'll need to consider any food allergies your guests may have. Whether it's an outdoor BBQ party, something simple like fruit platters, summer desserts like homemade ice pops, or charcuterie boards, food allergies must be considered. Be sure to have colour coordinating dinnerware to truly help complete the look. 

Serve Cooling Beverages

To elevate the experience for your guests, think about utilising interesting serving vessels, such as mason jars or vintage pitchers. You can even get a large ice bucket and fill it up with some beverages. Just be sure to make some ice ahead of time.  The glasses you choose will help with aesthetics too. You can serve some sangria in a wine glass or make some tasty cocktails with garnishes, and serve them in flutes or tumblers.

Provide Guests Some Shade

Since it’s a summer party, you need to consider the comfort of your guests. This can include having plenty of bottles of sunscreen and some outdoor shade. All you really need is an umbrella or a gazebo to cover the seating area. Creating a shaded oasis at your summer garden party will allow guests to stay cool, relax and enjoy themselves throughout the party!

Provide Plenty Of Seating

Regardless of what outdoor garden furniture you choose, you need to make sure you have enough comfortable chairs or other seating options. Consider using outdoor furniture that complements the style and theme of your event. If you're throwing a floral garden party, wooden or wicker furniture would be perfect.

Plan For The Weather

The weather can be unpredictable. Even if you're anticipating blue skies, cloudy Irish weather may want to appear instead! Since these events are typically held outside in your back garden, you're going to need to ensure that your guests are comfortable no matter what Mother Nature has in store. If there's a chance of rain, make sure you have some covered areas. A steel party tent could be perfect as people can take cover. 

You could also provide plenty of shade with gazebos, awnings or parasols and have some cold beverages on hand. However, as long as you're prepared, you can still create a comfortable atmosphere that your guests will appreciate.

Provide Blankets

With Irish weather the way it is, sometimes the summer can get a bit nippy. Especially once the sun starts setting! While you don't need blankets for every single guest, having a basket of lightweight throws can be ideal. Just set it by the table in case someone gets a bit chilly.

How to Prepare for Your Summer Garden Party 

Mow the Lawn

While longer grass is more environmentally friendly towards wildlife, it's still strongly recommended to mow your grass when entertaining guests. Even if you own turf grass, you’ll still need this. You don’t need to be an expert when it comes to mowing the grass either. Nearly any lawn mower will get the job done!

Hedge Trimmers

If your hedges are looking a bit overgrown, then it's the perfect time to invest in hedge trimmers. Having clean lines, especially in your garden, will help make your summer garden party look and feel more elegant.

Brushes & Brooms

No matter what season it is, debris, like leaves and twigs, will still find a way into the garden. Get yourself a rake, or brooms and brushes to help tidy things up before your guests arrive.

Shop the Essentials for Your Perfect Summer Garden Party at Woodie's!

Hosting a summer garden party can be a fun way to spend time with your loved ones, while getting to enjoy being outdoors. Like any successful event, every detail counts and makes all the difference. If you're looking for the perfect place to find all your garden party essentials, look no further than Woodie's. With a wide selection of outdoor furniture, outdoor cooking, and lawn essentials, you'll find everything you need for a successful party!

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your summer garden party today with Woodie's!